In conjunction with a study day on 'Chinese ceramics in their cultural contexts', presented by Asian Art in London and the British Museum (BM), this issue focuses on the Sir Percival David Collection (PDC) in its new home in the BM's recently opened Sir Joseph Hotung Centre for Ceramic Studies.

The process of installing the gallery and the collection's new setting have allowed scope for fresh research and conservation. Jan Stuart, Regina Krahl, Jessica Harrison-Hall, Peter Lam and Loretta Hogan share some of their discoveries about this renowned collection with our readers.

Our interview is with Sir Joseph Hotung, whose generosity allowed the new gallery to become a reality.

The Museum of East Asian Art, Cologne celebrates its centenary this year with an exhibition 'The Heart of Enlightenment: Buddhist Art from China (550-600)' and a related symposium, 'Circa 1909' which pay tribute to the museum founders, Adolf and Frieda Fischer. Hwang Yin talks with Lothar Ledderose and Adele Schlombs about the history of collecting and East Asian art. Rob Linrothe reports on ongoing conservation projects in Ladakh.

Tiffany Beres reviews this year's ShContemporary art fair in Shanghai, and in her commentary, Madeleine O'Dea looks at changes in the Chinese contemporary art scene, 30 years since the seminal 'Stars' exhibition in Beijing.